Progress

Progress Blog:

This area contains real-time happenings pertaining to my academic and professional growth. I invite you to follow my progress. This is where I regularly post updates on milestones or developments in my career or thoughts that I have in the area of disability. Furthermore, for users with GMail accounts I have enabled commenting in this area. I encourage you to assist in the collective construction of my learning and experiential process. This can be achieved by leaving comments and engaging me in dialog. I understand the importance of collaboration and duly note the significance of community, especially when seeking to create something greater than yourself.

I am looking forward to wrapping up 2018 with two more presentations on the affordability of computer-based social and emotional skills interventions for school-aged individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Earlier this month, I presented in Chicago at the Northern Tier Network Consortium. The timing could not have been more perfect with the unveiling of the Eternal Flame of Hope sculpture to honor the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics and Chicago the birthplace of the Special Olympics. I additionally was able to attend both the Special Olympics opening ceremonies and the first-ever Special Olympics Unified Cup. This international football (soccer) tournament contains 24 women’s and men’s Unified football (soccer) teams from around the world.

In September, I will be speaking at the 20th International Conference on Autism in London, England. I am the second presenter in the line up. This will be my first time in the United Kingdom and I plan to visit England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Iceland. What an exciting journey!

Then I return to the states for the 5th World Autism Organisation International Congress in Houston, Texas. The presenter order should be finalized in the upcoming months for this November conference. Hopefully I things will slow down for the quickly approaching end of the year holidays.

During 2017, the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders saw 1064 article submission where 35% were ultimately accepted.

A big thank you to the Journal’s editorial team for recognizing the diligence of everyone who contributed to the peer-review process. Last year, I provided feedback and publication recommendations for a total of 7 articles.

First, in my last post I wrote that I had 3 articles out for publication. One was accepted for publication and I have three still under review. I had hoped to get all three published prior to 2018, but with the holiday seasons it looks like there will be delays.

Second, I am absolutely thrilled to receive, the day after Christmas, an acceptance letter to present in London at ICA 2018, the 20th International Conference on Autism. ICA is scientifically sponsored by the International Medical and Health Sciences Committee of the World Academy of Science, Engineering, and Technology.

I will be discussing the affordability of computer-based interventions for school-aged students with ASD. My aim is to connect with fellow researchers interested in collaboration.

If you are an interested in collaborating, please email me at enslockhart@gmail.com or leave a comment below.

This will be my first time in England. However, stay tuned for an announcement in a few weeks. I am waiting on a confirmation of my January session date as a Special Webinar Guest Speaker for ‘Alphabet 12’ in Birmingham (UK).

My professional background is comprised of two distinct industries health & human service and information technology. A pillar common to both industries is service to others—a strong personal value of mine. My directed efforts aligns the skills acquired from these two distinct industries on a single point of convergence: the remediative value (and, by proxy, the detrimental effects) of human-computer interaction. My research certainly demonstrates and reflects this.

Directorship

My career trajectory in recent years has moved me further into the role of leadership and administration, which I hesitated initially because I am personally fueled by direct service. However, in recent months I have embraced this role full-heartedly. I am excited to announce that in June I accepted a Director position at Ilisagvik College, Department of Information Technology. I am excited primarily because I get the opportunity to focus on the technology component of human-computer interaction; thus, strengthening my research by direct involvement in modern technological solutions. Indeed, this balanced approach has reinvigorated my systems-level mindset and problem solving skills as they apply to the realm of technology and human-computer interaction.

Renewed Certifications

I have successfully renewed for the next two years my state-level Chemical Dependency Counselor and international-level Autism Specialist certifications. My national-level Addictions Counselor is up for renewal sometime in March of 2018. I am seeking to renew that as the time approaches.

Second Master's & Publications

Furthermore, I have completed a second master's degree on my way to a PhD in Psychology. I am happy to say that I have three journal articles under review for publication. My thesis was an evaluation of the affordability of computer-based social-emotional interventions for school-aged children. That research has additionally been submitted for review. Indeed, I am enjoying the role as researcher.

It is again with great honor that I am acknowledged by my alma mater, the University of Alaska Anchorage. UAA showcased 50 alumni who are making waves all over the state and beyond in their most recent publication of Alumni Spirit. I am proud to be the second alumnus on the list.

I am constantly amazed at where life has taken me. In 2000, I moved to Barrow to progress in my IT career and successfully reached the level of network and systems engineer. A car accident that left my mother blind changed everything. That change led to:

a desire to support those in need;

humility;

compassion for others, their situation, and their lived experience no matter how differences they are from me;

an understanding of the diverse forms of hardship;

an appreciation for the resiliency, perspective, and identity that hardship brings;

13 years of service to individuals with physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral difficulties;

a feeling of belonging to a local community and the greater world community; and

university degrees from Alaska and Australia.

I am forever grateful for the experiences I have had, both challenging and welcomed.

Well, there certainly has been some big changes in the last few months. I meant to update my ePortfolio sooner; however, life has been filled with new and exciting adventures. In July, I moved to the top of the world! The northernmost town in the North America, Barrow, Alaska.

New Role

I accepted the position of Residential Manager at the North Slope Borough, Department of Health and Social Services, Intergrated Behavioral Health, Children and Youth Services. CYS for short.

CYS is a coed level II, 14-bed emergency shelter, providing Behavioral Rehabilitative Services and Crisis Stabilization to children and youth ages 0-18 years. Our residents are from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and are referred by Office of Children Services, Department of Juvenile Justice, Native Village of Barrow, local agencies and/or families in need of support or respite during crises. We also provide services to children and youth transitioning to or from treatment, foster care, or home. We provide services for local residents as well as residents from communities throughout Alaska.

CYS employs a full time Clinician who, in addition to compiling comprehensive psychosocial assessments, provides individual, group and family therapy, and facilitates treatment team meetings. CYS staff works with local agencies, schools, clinics and the hospital to provide wide-ranging services as indicated by the individual needs of our residents. CYS is a therapeutic, nurturing environment accessible as a safe refuge and a bridge to personal and community resources.

CYS promotes and supports the well-being of children and families through a program that is compassionate, culturally sensitive and incorporates modern theories of child and youth care. CYS and its diverse staff strive to achieve a standard of care that engenders optimum public trust and satisfaction. Here are pictures of the facility with a link to our website, which is maintained by the North Slope Borough, the local government.

Introduction: Health Department Newsletter

As this is my returned to Barrow, I was here back in 2000 and stayed for 5 years, I was welcomed back with an open arms and high praise. The Health Department newsletter featured both new Managers at CYS, Program Manager Elizabeth Madsen and me.

Where am I?

To get an idea of how remote and cold it is here take a look at this recent CNN report.

PhD Psychology Specialization: Addiction

I also have been busy in my graduate program. I was accepted and started courses at Northcentral University. I am working on my PhD in Psychology with a specialization in addictions. I will obtain a second masters on my way as I take courses to bridge into the PhD requirements. I have four foundation classes at the masters level to complete then I will start in on my doctoral level courses. I just completed my first course with a 97% and am half way through on my second. Wish me luck!

I am a Certified Autism Specialist which I received from an international credentialing body. I have been certified by the IBCCES continuously since 2014. Their credentialing process requires international board review and approval among other requirements.

A couple of months ago I was recognized as the first Alaska resident to voluntarily seek and obtain board certification. Further, I was interviewed and featured as CAS of the month (May 2016). I am honored by this recognition. I would like to thank my employer Catholic Social Services who will announce this accomplishment in their next local publication. Additionally, I would like to thank the families and clients I serve in the autism community.

Below is a copy of my interview with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.

1) How has earning the Certified Autism Specialist been meaningful and satisfying?

I am proud to be the first practitioner in Alaska to earn the Certified Autism Specialist credential. Earning this internationally recognized credential provides those that I serve reassurances regarding my expertise in the field of autism support. I consider myself a global citizen and have studied in both the United States of America and Australia. Locating and obtaining board certification at the international level was important to me. Towards that aim, I found IBCCES and their autism credentialing track. For these reasons I find my CAS credential meaningful and satisfying.

2) How has the CAS credential affected your professional growth?

I initially earned the Autism Certificate credential while working towards completing a master’s degree at the University of Sydney in Australia. After completing and publishing a dissertation on the topic of computer-based social and emotional skills training for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), I upgraded to the Certified Autism Specialist credential. Since earning my Certified Autism Specialist I have been accepted into a doctoral program to continue my research focusing on the ASD population.

3) How has your CAS credential been a benefit to your district/ organization/ or employer?

Catholic Social Services, Family Disability Services is able with confidence to connect me with their client population to address specific acute and chronic issues. Mentioning that the agency has a CAS onboard helps to encourage parents and guardians that those in their care will be supported to the utmost professional standard by a highly qualified practitioner.

4) How do you like to be recognized, acknowledged and rewarded for a job well done?

Receiving accolades of any kind is something I personally and professional appreciate. For my contribution to the autism community I received the Man of Excellence Award in 2013 from AHAINA Multicultural Center and the Seawolf Student Leader Award from the University of Alaska Anchorage, Student Life & Leadership. In 2015 I was presented an original painting from the Michael Tolleson Savant Art Center in Kent, Washington. The painting “Epiphany” was created by Michael Tolleson, an autistic savant. Creating a positive lasting impact to no matter the size to this community is my passion and career goal.

5) What is your greatest challenge or roadblock?

The greatest challenge I have seen in my 12 years delivering direct support is the ever constant changes in federal and state regulations governing Medicaid. I have witnessed how this drastically impacts from year-to-year access to and continuation of services for individuals who desperately need support. Working for a Medicaid provider agency I have seen across the board client support hour reductions that frankly break my heart as I understand how this will impact the quality of life and skill development for the clients I serve.

6) What makes you feel like a valuable contributor?

When working with clients one-on-one the constant feedback I get from their actions, achievements, and accomplishments makes me acutely aware of how valuable my contribution is to their overall success. Even when clients are struggling to achieve their goals the fact that they continue to try signifies for me the value of my practice.

7) What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy seeing change in the clients I serve regardless of how incremental that change may be. My reward is in their success. It is rewarding to know that I have the opportunity to impact clients in such a way that will have for them lifelong positive effects.

Earlier this week, the latest issue (Spring 2016, Issue 5) of University of Alaska Anchorage's Alumni Spirit was released. I was mentioned in the Class Notes (pg. 26) section. This is the part of the UAA Alumni Association's quarterly publication where notable alumni are featured. You can read the entire issue online by clicking on the cover image to the right.

On the way to pick up my Master testamur in Australia we stopped off in Fiji. We planned a two night mini-vacation in Nadi before heading to New South Wales for The University of Sydney commencement ceremony.

Commencement

It was quite the experience to be received at the University of Sydney. Usually students rent their gowns and hood. I had mine tailored a few months prior and brought it with me. Moments before the ceremony we found a fitter at the university to help affix the hood. I must admit I failed at all attempts to properly wear the formal article. I was assigned to sit in the front row. There were 5 from my cohort graduating and we were the highest degrees awarded for the Faculty of Health Sciences this year. Two graduands accepted their award in absentia. I ended up walking up to meet the Chancellor second. The Dean in her closing address mentioned me as the further awardee. Finally, I lead the academic procession for the entire graduating class which included undergraduates. This was quite the honor.

Cyclone Winston

Only days prior a cyclone raged through Fiji leaving behind devastation. Many locals lost their homes and were left without clean water to drink. Everyone was informed to boil tap water before drinking if any was accessible. I saw many large industrial plastic water tanks set up throughout Nadi to support civilians and local merchants. Out of respect for those who call Fiji home I did not take any pictures of the devastation. The Fijian government at the point of our arrival had yet to receive aid from their international allies. It was not until the end of our trip to Australia did they send over $15 million in cash aid and various other supplies. During our stay, I was more than happy to support the Fijian economy through selectively choosing Fiji Airlines, locally owned hotel, and local small businesses. We shopped at the local grocers and ate fresh produce. Tourism is a large part of the Fijian economy and mindful choices like these help.

Skydiving in Fiji

This was my first time in Fiji. Shortly after landing and shedding our luggage my wife and I went back into the sky on a small Cessna. We reached an altitude of 10,000 feet and completed a tandem skydive. The first for either of us.

Cessna, my wife and I

Preparing to jump

10,000ft Certificate

What is a Sunburn?

Another first for me: My first ever sunburn. In our excitement we made the mistake of swimming in the ocean for 3 hours straight smack dab in the middle of high noon. My poor wife who is very fair skinned suffered more than I. I was in disbelief. I am Aboriginal Hawaiian and grew up on the island of O'ahu. Never in my life have I had a sunburn. Now I understand what it feels like. I apologize to my brother for teasing him when we were younger. I get it now. I wonder if this is a result of the 24 years I spent in Alaska that has left me pale? Up here, although we get more sunlight throughout the year it is not the full spectrum found elsewhere. We did not let our condition ruin our trip, but we did have to stay indoors to recover.

Sightseeing in AU

While in Australia we took advantage of the trip to do some sightseeing. We stayed in Glebe and walked to many of the surround parks like Victoria Park. We spent most of our time in Darling Harbor. We toured Cockle Bay via a ferry and saw Circular Quay, The Rocks, Manly, Goat and Shark Island to name a few. We visited the Sydney Opera House, the zoo, aquarium, Madame Tussauds - Sydney, and local eateries. We took a day tour to the Blue Mountains and saw Wentworth and Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, the small town of Leura, Olympic Park, and a couple of aboriginal sites.

APIASF 100 Reviews

While overseas I still made it a point to continue my volunteer work. I marked nearly 100 essay applications for the Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund. I have been doing this for a few years now and the number of applicants keep growing steadily. I was a little disappointed in the quality of the applicant sample I drew this cycle. Many of the essays were well below the 500-word mark and had a text or tweet type feel it them instead of essays. I hope this was just an issue with the subset of the applicants I reviewed.
The APIASF continues to feature me on their website. I am grateful and will continue to support their efforts in providing opportunities for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to attend university. It is my personal thinking that higher education is an integral component to creating leaders of change. Critical thinking, broadened perspectives, and free exchange of ideas without anger and hate are hallmarks of higher educational institutions. Change leaders who learn and use these hallmarks have the tools necessary to create positive change in their communities. I wish those who applied success and hope our next change leaders are born from this.

I am happy to announce my first book is available on Amazon. It is my hope that those who commit to Living Kindness affect positive change in themselves and those around them. Strong communities are shaped by the focused, intentional acts of kindness by its members.

First Book

Living Kindness: Your Footsteps Towards Being a Kinder Human is a way for you to consider how you can embark on a path of kindness. It is a keepsake where you have the chance to chart your focused, intentional acts of daily kindness. In this 30-day edition readers record in as few as a single sentence how they brought kindness into the world. An inspirational quote proceeds each day with the hope that readers are opened up to the importance of kindness and the many different forms that kindness takes.

After your 30 days of living kindness you are invited to share this keepsake with those who hold meaning in your life. Go to your mother or father, sister or brother, girlfriend or boyfriend, wife or husband and share with them the goodness in you. You can present this to them as a symbol of your efforts towards being a better human.

Five Years at Family Disability Services

February 2016 marks another year of service to individuals and families who experience developmental disabilities. I am grateful to be in a position to assist others in achieving their life goals and improving their ability to accomplish activities of daily living.

This year what stood out to me the most is the lack of specific services geared towards assisting young adults with developmental disability transition to adulthood. The current paradigm focuses on early detection and intervention. The value of such provisions are not debatable given the immense research available on the benefits of early childhood intervention. However, as young men and women transition out of the educational system and into their family- and individually-defined adulthood the available supports systems thin out leading families grasping at straws. This is not to say that systems are not at all in place, but the options are limited and wait-lists long. There is definitely a need for increased options for this community here in Alaska.